Do your stupid thing make headlines? Was McDonalds mentioned in the headlines? Then you just devalued the corporation as a whole, which puts you in violation of your franchise agreement, which means yes they have the right to confiscate the property and business you share with them.
As human beings we all make mistakes and say idiotic things in private at times. Sterling is no exception. He should not have been cheating on his wife and cavorting with bimbos bent on entrapping him in private conversations to begin with. Had Sterling said such things in public or to his employees that would be one thing. But it was private conversation between two individuals not meant for public consumption. Sterling’s biggest sin in this whole matter is being unfaithful to his wife. But no is bringing that issue up-—maybe perhaps because of Magic Johnson. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone at Donald Sterling. I think the guy is an idiot and a philanderer. And in that regard Sterling has plenty of company in the NBA.